Effects of integrated fertilizer management compared to the use of inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of cabbage

Author

Mukwesha. Sharon

Title

Effects of integrated fertilizer management compared to the use of inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of cabbage

Abstract

The integration of systemic fertilizer with various organic fertilizers can be an alternative source of nutrient management in cabbage production. However, there is limited information available on the effect of integrated fertilizer management using different combinations on growth and yield of cabbage. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of integrated fertilizer management on the growth and yield of cabbage. A total of four treatments were assessed in a randomised complete block design with a single factor and the treatments were replicated four times. The treatments include the integration of 25% compound C + 25% AN + 50% chicken manure, 15% compound C +15% AN+ 70% chicken manure, 50% compound C + 50% AN and 100% chicken manure. Data was analysed using Genstat 18th edition and the comparison of treatment means was done using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5% significant level. The results showed that the treatment with the integration of 25% compound C + 25% AN + 50% chicken manure recorded the highest measurements in all growth and yield parameters whilst the treatment with 100% chicken manure recorded the least in terms of plant height (28.98 cm), number of loose leaves(10,85) ,head circumference (28.27 cm) and head weight (805g). Farmers are advised to consider the integration of systemic fertilizer with organic fertilizers as they are cheap and easily accessible by farmers, thereby reducing production cost.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Integrated fertilizer management

Cabbage

Production cost

Fertilizers

Supervisor

N/A